EASTER IN ARMENIA

Day 1 (07.04)

Arrival, check-in

Welcome to a country with a rich heritage and traditions, with ancient monuments and culture, with beautiful scenery and magnificent nature, and most important – with hospitable people and delicious cuisine! 

Day 2 (08.04)

City tour in Yerevan

Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest cities, 29 years older than Rome. We will visit the museum-fortress of Erebuni , which was built in 782 B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first.

We will also visit the factory-museum of carpets “Megerian” which established in 1917, in Manhasset, New York. Since 2002 Armenian handmade rugs quickly gained a reputation throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.

At “Ararat Brandy Factory” you will learn the 130 years old history of Armenian brandy production, know who have drunk Armenian brandy, and of course taste it yourself. We will visit Matenadaran, where lots of ancient manuscripts are kept.In the evening we will walk in the city centre: Republic square, Northern avenue, Opera and ballet theatre.

Free time

Day 3 (09.04)

Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery, Charents arch, lavash baking

Garni pagan temple is the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia, a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple. Near the temple you can see the lavash making process and taste it yourself. Geghard is a medieval monastery, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. From the Charents Arch opens a breathtaking view to Ararat, probably the most stunning view of the Biblical mountain.

Free time 

Geghard Monastery and Upper Azat Valley are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status. 

Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia is in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Day 4 (10.04)

Khor Virap monastery, Areni, Noravank monastery, Tatev moanstery, Wings of Tatev ropeway(extra free)

Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for about 14 years for preaching the Christian religion. Then we will move to Areni village. At Hin Areni winery you will see winemaking process and taste different kinds of wine. Then we will see the Areni Cave, which proves that winemaking in Armenia began 6,200 years ago. After it we will visit the old monastery Noravank, which is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century with its fine architectural solutions and luxurious sculptures .Wings of Tatev is the shortest, most picturesque and impressive route to Tatev Monastery and the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

Day 5 (11.04)

Lake Sevan, Sevanavank monastery, Dilijan, Goshavank, Haghartsin

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is considered as a “pearl” of Armenia. Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. Dilijan will admire you with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. It is a well known spa town in Armenia. We will walk in old town, visit monasteries Haghartsin and Goshavank. Goshavank  is a 12th century impressive monastery which houses one of the world’s finest examples of a khachkar. The main topic of khachkars are carved crosses on the rock. You’ll never meet 2 of the same Kachkars. Every khachkar is unique and is never copied. The first khachkars appeared in 9th century. 

Since 2010 khachkars are included UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Day 6 (12.04)

Ejmiatsin (St Hripsime church, Mother Cathedral, Easter liturgy), Zvartnots cathedral 

Mother Cathedral of St. Ejmiatsin is the center of Armenian Apostolic church. The Cathedral was founded at the beginning of the 4th century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. You will be in Ejmiatsin during the Easter liturgy. We will also visit St Hripsime and St Gayane churches.

Zvartnots cathedral is a masterpiece of Middle Ages constructed between 643-652 A.D., this temple is an important example of Armenian architecture. It had unique design and architecture techniques. 

Free time

Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots are UNESCO word heritage sites.

Day 7 (13.04)

Check-out. Departure